from the Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association

Augusta, ME — The 22nd annual Paul Bunyan Classic was celebrated at Hollywood Casino, Hotel, & Raceway in Bangor, Maine on Monday (July 20) by a robust crowd. The classic was the highlight to the end of the summer racing meet.

This year a new formula was used in place of the traditional invitational. Preliminary races were held at Plainridge Park in Plainville, Mass., and at Bangor Raceway. The top finishers in each preliminary race were invited back for the “Bunyan” to compete for a share of the $25,000 bounty that was up for grabs.

“All the right conditions are in place to break a track record. The surface is in great shape and the weather is perfect for racing,” predicted Michael Hopkins, Director of Racing Operations for Bangor Raceway.

Hollywood Casino photo

A Sweet Ride is all smiles on the way to the winner’s circle with Kevin Switzer Jr.

A Sweet Ride, owned by Philip Scott McKenzie got the word as the 6-year-old gelding was hustled off the gate by the man in black and blue, Kevin Switzer Jr., to a commanding lead.

There was no need for the rearview mirror as A Sweet Ride broke away from the field during the second pass on the half-mile oval. Switzer was fully in charge of his sweet ride for the stretch drive, stopping the clock in a record-breaking sizzle of 1:52.3. Twin B Spy took the runner-up title, with Only the Lonely finishing third. Western Victory and Hall Bro closed out the minor spoils.

A Sweet Ride is conditioned by Jamie Gerard. The previous track record of 1:53 was set by On a Tear, driven by Maine native and current top Yonkers driver Jason Bartlett in July 2009.

Racing will resume at Hollywood Casino, Hotel, & Raceway on August 12 and 13.